Rehabilitation of a Patient after a Transtibial Amputation: A Case Report

Abstract

Amputation is the surgical removal of a body part or limb caused by excessive tightness, pathological conditions, or a surgical procedure on an extremity. Transtibial amputation involves removing the feet, ankle, distal part of the tibia, and fibula with the surrounding structures like connective tissues and other structures surrounding the distal part of the bone. This type of surgery has a high rate of contraindications but has adequate indications; it maintains a therapeutic technique with a high clinical price and, in general, lifesaving value. The primary objectives of rehabilitation are to improve normal and affected extremity power, patient mobility, aerobic capacity, coordination and balance, and independence in performing activities of daily living. In this case, the patient was a 50-year-old man who complained of pain in his left lower limb and had an ulcer on his left foot. Initially, it was small in size when noticed by the patient but gradually progressed to a large wound of 7x6cm over the medial side, with foul-smelling discharge, associated with blackish discoloration. Walking aggravated foot pain, which was relieved by standing still, medications, and rest. On investigation, the patient was diagnosed with gangrene in the left lower limb and referred for rehabilitation to the physiotherapy department after surgery. This case study provides information on the recovery of a patient with the help of prosthetic devices.